Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted Therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals into the treatment plan. The most common being, horses, dogs, cats, and birds, but any domesticated animal will work. Fish can be very calming and relaxing, as well.  The client, therapist, and animal work together in therapeutic activities that are outlined in a treatment plan with clear "smart" (specific, measurable, achievable, relative, timely) goals with the expectation of having identifiable progress toward the treatment goals. The therapy can take many forms, based on the patient, the animal, and the goals for treatment. However, sometimes the animal can just be present with no expectations. Animals can provide a sense of calm, comfort, and safety. This helps divert attention away from any uncomfortableness in the session and instead creates an atmosphere that provides pleasure. The presences of the animal brings about a sense of comfort and security because the animal has no judgement and accepts you for who you are. (unconditional regard).

Animal-assisted therapy is rooted in the bond that can develop between people and animals.  Animals can help fight loneliness and act as a social support, both through interactions with the animal and interactions that involve other people.  Animals can work as an "icebreaker" during the initial getting to know each other stages of a relationship. Furthermore, animals, such as dogs and cats can lead people to get more physical activity and social interactions with others more than they would have otherwise. For example taking your cat or dog for a walk you meet people and they ask about your pet. Some animal-assisted therapists believe that developing a bond with an animal can help people develop a better sense of self-worth, stabilize their emotions, improve their communication, self regulation and socialization skills.

Animal-assisted therapy is a natural tool that can be used toward enhancing the benefits of traditional therapy. Having a relationship with a pet can also do wonders for emotional and mental health.

I would love to hear some of your pet stories.